10/08/2009

WASHINGTON — The House voted by a wide margin on Thursday to expand the definition of violent federal hate crimes to cover those committed because of a victim’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Democrats and advocates hailed the 281-to-146 vote, which put the measure on the brink of becoming law, as the culmination of a long push to curb violent expressions of bias like the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming college student.House Votes to Expand Definition of Hate Crimes [NY Times]

Next comes the Senate, then the president's desk -- and at both steps, success seems in the cards. But then, of course, come the inevitable legal challenges from the same far-righters who've been throwing everything but the kitchen sink at us in order to make it sound like these protections will protect people who want to shtup everything including the kitchen sink.

But let's not think about that latter, unfortunate point for now. For now, let's celebrate this triumph over conserv-adversity, one that has managed to put a crucial, long overdue, people-protecting measure into what seems like its most key playing field yet! It's not a win yet, but the zip code is the same.

Your thoughts

Why red font? Isn't that reserved for the anti-gay side?

OOps. it was a mistake. Changed to blue.

Both Joe S and Cleve Jone on with Chris Marshall HARDBALL. HCB done deal. ENDA possible. They both say OBAMA HIMSELF could overturn DOMA.. and disagreed whether OBAMA should halt DADT or wait for Congress.
Chris was us to date on Olsen/Boies but not the MASS bill. vs DOMA.